Freelance Women's Leather Goods Designer

Paul Smith; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading independent design company in Greater London is seeking a Freelance Designer for their Accessories Design team. This role focuses on designing women's bags and small leather goods, collaborating directly with the Head of Leather Goods Design. Candidates should demonstrate strong experience in leather goods design, proficiency in design software, and excellent organizational skills, with an emphasis on creative thinking and attention to detail.

Qualifications

• Experience in a design environment, particularly with women's leather goods.
• Ability to develop products from research to technical specifications.
• Capable of producing detailed drawings, both freehand and digitally.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop Women’s Bags from concept to pre-production.
• Conduct initial research into themes, materials, and techniques.
• Communicate specifications clearly to suppliers and manufacturers.

Skills

Creative thinking

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

Microsoft Office

Job description

Paul Smith is one of Britain’s leading independent design companies. We champion positivity, curiosity and creativity. These qualities underpin every Paul Smith design, whether it’s a shirt, a shop or a special collaboration. Reaffirming the values that Paul set down in 1970, ‘classic with a twist’ remains the guiding principle of the company. Happily positioned between high fashion and formalwear, while taking reference from both, Paul Smith has always been proud to stand apart.

We are seeking a Freelance Designer to join our Accessories Design team at our London Head Office. In this role, you will be responsible for designing Women’s bags, small leather goods and belts for the Paul Smith Ltd collections. You will work closely with, and report directly to, the Head of Leather Goods Design, contributing creatively to the development of each collection. We anticipate the workload will cover 3 days per week and are looking for someone to start in February 2026.

The Role

Follow the range plans set by the Head of Accessories & Licensing and Head of Leather Goods Design, implement any changes necessary.

To be responsible for the design and development of Women’s Bags from initial concept through to pre-production.

Initial research into themes, materials, and techniques in close collaboration with the Head of Leather Goods Design.

Clear and accurate design specification and communication to suppliers and manufacturers, following up with daily communication as required.

Responsible for maintaining the critical path and ensuring all specs are issued on time and all samples are available for design presentations.

Clear communication of any final design amendments made following salesmen’s samples with the production team to ensure quality standards are reached for respective products.

To set up and maintain accurate technical information and material archive information.

Travel domestically and internationally to work with suppliers or other departments based outside London if required.

Your Skills and Experience

Credible experience working in a design environment, working with leather bags and small leather goods, particularly focused on women’s leather goods design.

Experience developing products from initial research through to the creation of technical specifications.

Advanced knowledge of Illustrator, Photoshop, and Microsoft packages.

Knowledge of trends and researching trends within the accessories market.

Ability to produce excellent accurate and detailed drawings, both freehand and using design programs.

Excellent planning, prioritising and organisational skills to ensure key deadlines are met.

Who you are

The ability to think creatively, with a strong understanding of materials, able to work with colour and print.

A high level of attention to detail.

Highly self‑motivated and proactive, with excellent communication skills.

Strong ability to deal with people at all levels and build effective internal and external working relationships.

A broad interest across various cultural themes, with an interest in fashion, music, literature and the arts.

Able to travel within the UK and internationally as required.

Please note this role requires that you submit an online link within the application form, to a colour portfolio containing work examples, this should be available for 4 weeks after the advert closing date.

At Paul Smith, we celebrate and encourage applications from all walks of life into our growing workforce. We are committed to empowering people from any background, belief system, or ethnicity, offering an inclusive environment where talent is recognised and valued.